Motorbike accidents that result in fatalities is on the decline in the UK, partially thanks to improving technology preventing the bikes from skidding as wildly on slippery surfaces and government-lead campaigns, designed to make other drivers more aware of motorbike users on the road.
Unfortunately, statistics also show that whilst motorbike deaths are down by ten per cent, motorbike accidents that result in serious injuries have increased by the same number. Accidents that involve motorbikes in general are also up by eight per cent.

Poor visibility

The national statistics also show that the two main causes of motorbike accidents are losing control of the bike and being hit by other vehicle users that were blind to the oncoming bike. In instances where a motorbike driver is hit by another road user, there could be a cause for compensation, if the other driver is to blame for hitting the motorcyclist. Making a motorbike accident claim is simple and necessary to cover the cost of any long term treatment for sustained injuries.

There are numerous safety features that have been added to bikes over the years to make them safer. Most of these features have been adapted from cars and it is often manufacturers of both cars and bikes that are the first to develop these new safety features.

Safety technology

Manufacturers such as BMW and Honda were first to introduce anti-lock brakes to their bikes in 1989. However, a modern update to this system was first added to the BMW 1200 GS in 2009. The update was a sensor placed over the front wheel, which could detect if the wheel was slipping or was becoming weighed down and apply the necessary braking force to counteract the effect. This was especially effective for the weighed down wheel, as it greatly reduced the risk of riders.

Forms of traction control have also been adapted to suit bikes. Ducati adapted a Ferrari system for their models several years ago, which allowed the rider to choose from eight levels of grip sensitivity. These then deploy when the front sensor detected a wheel slip and would cause the spark plug to fire, so the fuel in the chamber won’t be ignited.

Several companies have designed air bag apparel. In the event of the rider being thrown off the bike, a tether would snap and an air cushion would deploy in the suit, thereby softening the impact.